I am a huge fan of the Arizon Daily Star's road construction and project blog, the Road Runner. This edition contains a subtle reminder that injured people who have potential claims against most Arizona government agencies are required to file a notice of claim before bringing a lawsuit.

180 days does not seem a long time to file a claim. It isn't. I believe the notice of claim statute is too burdensome and should be changed. However, it is (oddly) an improvement: Until 1963, Arizona followed the principal of sovereign immunity, which barred all lawsuits against the state.

Arizona Government entities, and in particular counties, have learned over time just how powerful the notice of claim statute is. Any claim that is not filed correctly is completely "barred and no action may be maintained thereon."

My experience with the notice of claim statute has been that courts are very divided when applying the law. If you believe you have been injured by a government entity, do not delay in seeking help navigating the complicated notice of claim process.